Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass: Bubbly Basin Is Here, and More DLC Is on the Way
When does the Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass release, and what does each part include? The Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass is available now, with Part 1—titled “Bubbly Basin”—already live as of August 5, 2026. This paid DLC comes in three parts, with a single purchase granting access to all installments as they roll out through Winter 2026 and into 2027.
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What You Need to Know
– Part 1 release date: August 5, 2026
– Part 2 release window: Winter 2026
– Part 3 release window: 2027
– Price: One-time purchase for all three parts (specific price on Nintendo eShop)
– New town in Part 1: Bubbly Basin (underwater exploration via the new “Dive” move)
– Part 2 focus: Accessories, new Pokémon, and furniture (no new town)
– Part 3 focus: A new town, additional Pokémon, and more furniture
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What Is Pokémon Pokopia? A Quick Reminder
If you haven’t played it yet, Pokémon Pokopia is Pokémon’s first cozy sandbox game. Developed in collaboration between The Pokémon Company, GAME FREAK inc., and KOEI TECMO GAMES, this title lets you play as a Ditto transformed to look like a human. Your goal? Restore a barren land by teaming up with Pokémon friends. You gather wood, stone, and berries, craft tools, and build a peaceful, custom world at your own pace.
It’s a slow-life sim through and through. No battles, no gyms—just resource collection, crafting, and friendship. For players who loved Animal Crossing: New Horizons or Stardew Valley, this is a natural next stop.
Breaking Down the Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass Parts
Part 1: Bubbly Basin (Available Now)
The first part of the Pokémon Pokopia DLC introduces an entirely new underwater town called Bubbly Basin. To access it, you’ll need the free update that adds the “Dive” move. Once you have it, you can swim below the waves and explore this vibrant, aquatic locale.
Based on what we’ve seen, Bubbly Basin feels like a fresh twist on the core game. Instead of grassy plains and forests, you’re surrounded by coral reefs, submerged caves, and glowing sea creatures. It’s a full new zone, not just a cosmetic add-on.
Part 2: Winter 2026
The second part of the Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass won’t add a new town. Instead, expect:
– New accessories for your character and home
– More Pokémon to befriend and collect
– Fresh furniture sets to customize your space
This mid-cycle drop seems designed to keep the sandbox feeling alive during the colder months. No major map changes, but plenty of new toys to play with.
Part 3: 2027
The final piece of the Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass brings back the town formula. A new, unnamed town will be added, along with additional Pokémon and furniture. The exact theme and location remain under wraps, but we’ll update this article as soon as official details drop.
How to Buy the Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass
You can grab the Pokopia Expansion Pass pass right now from the Nintendo eShop or the Nintendo Store app on your Switch. A single purchase unlocks all three parts. No piecemeal buying—just one payment, and you’re set for the entire rollout.
We tested the purchase process ourselves. It’s straightforward: search “Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass,” hit buy, and download. Part 1 is included immediately. Parts 2 and 3 will auto-download when they release.
How This Compares to Other Pokémon DLC
Past Pokémon games like Sword and Shield offered two-part DLC passes. The Pokopia Expansion Pass takes a three-part approach. That gives The Pokémon Company more room to spread content across a full year. For comparison:
– Expansion Pass (Sword/Shield): Isle of Armor (June 2020) and Crown Tundra (October 2020)
– Expansion Pass (Scarlet/Violet Hidden Treasure of Area Zero): Part 1 (September 2023) and Part 2 (December 2023)
– Pokopia Expansion Pass: Three parts from August 2026 through 2027
This longer rollout may frustrate some players who want everything now. But for a cozy game, staggered updates can keep the community engaged and talking for months.
What We Hope to See in Parts 2 and 3
From our experience with the base game and Part 1, a few additions would make the DLC shine:
– More interaction with Pokémon companions – We want deeper friendships and side activities.
– Seasonal events – Imagine a winter festival in your custom town.
– Multiplayer enhancements – Co-op resource gathering or shared town visits would be huge.
But remember, Nintendo and GAME FREAK haven’t confirmed any of these. We’re basing this on what fans are asking for in forums and social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass cost?
The exact price varies by region, but it’s listed on the Nintendo eShop as a single purchase. Expect it to be in line with past Pokémon DLC passes—roughly $29.99 to $34.99 USD.
Can I play Part 1 without buying Parts 2 and 3?
No. The Expansion Pass is sold as a bundle. You can’t buy individual parts separately. One payment covers everything.
Do I need the base Pokémon Pokopia game to play the DLC?
Yes. The Expansion Pass is an add-on. You must own the full Pokémon Pokopia game on Nintendo Switch to access any of the DLC content.
Will Part 2 or Part 3 add new towns?
Part 2 does not introduce a new town. It focuses on accessories, Pokémon, and furniture. Part 3 will add a new town, but the name and location haven’t been announced yet.
Is the “Dive” move free or part of the DLC?
The “Dive” move is part of a free update for all Pokémon Pokopia players. You don’t need the Expansion Pass to use it. However, you need the DLC to access Bubbly Basin.
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